The Pink Star diamond ring is renowned as the world’s most expensive ring, featuring a 59.60-carat Fancy Vivid pink diamond set in platinum and flanked by two white diamonds[1]. This diamond’s incredible rarity, impressive size, and flawless clarity make it a singular treasure. The Gemological Institute of America recognizes it as the largest internally flawless Fancy Vivid pink diamond ever graded[1].
The Pink Star diamond was mined by De Beers in South Africa in 1999, starting from a 132.5-carat rough stone[7]. The cutting process, overseen by Steinmetz Diamonds, took 20 months due to the stone’s immense value and the meticulous care required to maximize its brilliance and color[1]. The finished diamond, unveiled in Monaco in 2003, measures approximately 2.69cm by 2.06cm and was originally named the Steinmetz Pink before being renamed following its sale[1].
The Pink Star set historic records at auction. In April 2017, it was sold at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises for $71.2 million, becoming the most expensive diamond or jewel ever sold at auction[2]. Previously, it had reached $83 million at a 2013 auction, but that sale fell through after the buyer defaulted[3], eventually leading to its 2017 record-setting purchase. After the sale, it was renamed the CTF Pink Star in honor of Chow Tai Fook’s founder[4].
Classified as a Type IIa diamond, the Pink Star is among the purest of all diamonds, lacking nitrogen impurities and boasting a flawless cut that enhances its legendary brilliance[4]. Its rarity is amplified by the declining availability of natural pink diamonds, especially since the closure of the Argyle mine, increasing demand and value among collectors and investors worldwide[2].
The Pink Star diamond ring’s legendary status is underscored not only by its auction record but also by its unique qualities: an extraordinary combination of color saturation, flawless clarity, and immense size. It stands as an enduring symbol of rarity, luxury, and the artistry of diamond cutting in the modern era[2].
References
- [1] The Most Expensive Ring In The World – MyGemma
- [2] Diamond Hall of Fame: The CTF Pink Star Diamond – Natural Diamonds
- [3] ‘Pink Star’ Sells for $71.2M, Setting New Auction Record – Robert Palma Designs
- [4] The Pink Star Diamond: Most Expensive Diamond Ever Sold – Aureus Boutique
- [7] Pink Star (diamond) – Wikipedia
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